how to install sonos speakers in the ceilling

If your in-ceiling (or in-wall) speakers are your primary speakers or your only surround sound speakers, it may be worth creating space between the insulation and your speaker. This sound will be warmer with better bass response for your surround sound. Since your ceiling speakers are likely not your primary speakers, you may want this as a compliment to your regular surround sound. It will also have an effect on the sound known as compression.Ĭompressed sound amplifies the quieter frequencies and quiets the louder frequencies to balance out the sound. The increased pressure on the speaker may hurt the higher-frequency sounds and amplify the lower frequencies. What a speaker touching insulation can do is change the “color” of your sound. The point is, your speaker will probably not cause a fire because it’s touching your insulation. Cellulose insulation, sometimes called blown-in insulation, is treated with fire retardants and requires a lot of heat to ignite. This isn’t a lot of power compared to motorized appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators, but it is enough to start a fire.įiberglass insulation, even if directly touching the speaker’s electrical terminals, is not a fire hazard. A regular speaker generally uses the same amount of power as an incandescent light bulb. Is It Dangerous for Insulation to Touch an In-Ceiling Speaker?Īnytime we’re installing electrical equipment in an environment that is not ideal, we want to ensure that we minimize the risk involved. These details and more are discussed below. You may also be wondering if using in-ceiling or in-wall speakers for surround sound (our guide) would influence your decision here. There are also less labor-intensive options.Īnd whether or not you’re installing a budget option like the Micca M-8C (an Amazon), or a higher-end set of speakers like the SONOS Architectural in-ceiling speakers (also on Amazon), you may be more or less concerned with the final audio quality. On the other hand, you may decide to make something to protect the integrity of your speaker’s sound more intentionally, like making a custom speaker box (our guide). You can do a quick and easy install with a lot of insulation contact, that may muffle higher pitches but preserve a good bass response.

However, there may be impacts on the sound quality of the speaker depending on how much contact there is. In-ceiling speakers can come in contact with insulation because the insulation is fireproof by design.

What do you do? Does it matter? How you handle your insulation will impact your sound, but more importantly, you may be wondering if it’s dangerous for the speakers to come in contact with insulation. So you’re installing speakers into your ceiling and your insulation is costing you some room.

How to install sonos speakers in the ceilling